Share this article via email

1 / 1

How Can I Tell Seasonal Allergies From a Cold?

Seasonal allergies and colds share common symptoms but have different causes, according to Sandra Hong, MD, in the department of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy They … Read More

Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

They are often confused, but she says you can tell them apart by noting:

1. How symptoms develop

Both allergies and colds cause sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, and fatigue. However, colds often cause symptoms one at a time: first sneezing, then a runny nose and nasal congestion. Allergies cause these symptoms all at once.

2. How long symptoms last

Cold symptoms generally last seven to 10 days while seasonal allergy symptoms generally last months at a time. Seasonal allergy symptoms continue as long as you are exposed to the allergen (symptom trigger). The symptoms will subside soon after exposure to the allergen ends.